What a Row deal
It pays to have a Rihanna or a Madonna sitting pretty in the front and checking out your collection. If clothes maketh a man, front row maketh a designer and showstopper maketh the clothes! Whoever graces the front row of your show is, perhaps, as important as the theme of your collections. The international trend has since long had a trickle down effect back home. No spelling the names but we've had authors, union ministers, cricketers grace the front rows. Of course, Hollywood has always been there and is still there. Opines Pallavi Jaipur, who showcased at a recently concluded fashion week in the Capital, "Celebrities, Bollywood stars, socialites, industrialists, you'd find all sorts of people sitting in the front rows of various designers' shows. Having the right mix of people is very important, especially for an upcoming designer from marketing and branding point of view. That's because you'd want to restrict yourself to a certain niche." On the international runways, the price list of how much the fashion houses pay certain celebs to sit in the front row is anybody's guess. There's a gradation of names into A-listers, B listers, C listers and even D listers (they walk in free or even come uninvited). She adds, "As a designer, I too would like to have certain kind of people in whose wardrobes I would want my clothes finding their way." While drawing up her guest list, she'd rather have people who understand clothes and fashion, as she puts it, "There's no point in having just about anybody." While a designer being as good as his showstopper or front row invitees is debatable, there's no missing the marketability factor. On the other end, the not-so-famous sprint for the after-party and the front row passes! After all, who wouldn't want to be seen as the guest of a celebrated designer? Nods Sabah Khan, who showcased at Mumbai, last month, "It works both ways and is a mutually beneficial relationship. For any upcoming designer A-listers are important because you need to get attention." For her show at Mumbai last month, she had Sofia Hayat and Dolly Bindra attending. "To be very honest, if you ask me this question a decade from now, the response would be very different," she minces Marc Jacobs reportedly banned celebrities from all of his shows because as he puts it, "it generates too much of press." As one designer quips, "At times, the entire process of having celeb showstoppers and front row people hog so much of attention that you actually worry over whether anybody even watched the show, let alone noticed the clothes." He adds, "I would rather have people genuinely there to see my collections than disinterested looking celebrities glued to their cells all the while." And the media later interested only in those celebs! For the eyes tired of overdose of colours and back-to-back shows, interesting faces provide instant relief. Thereby consequently putting the focus back on the designer if not the clothes. As designer Nida Mahmood puts it, "There might be and there are people doing it to generate publicity and get media attention, but I personally like to have people who I know care to watch fashion and would enjoy my show. For instance, some of my friends take interest in art, so I know, they’ll enjoy my show and would be a great feedback.” She's had celebrated author William Dalrymple, restaurateur AD Singh and Julian Paar, as part of her guest list. "It is nice to have your friends sitting there and if your friends happen to be celebrities, it's even better." Isn’t it? manpriya@tribunemail.com Money matters
If the insiders are to be believed, making your front row look pretty doesn't come cheap. Wanna have a Beyonce admire your collection? Be ready to shell out $ 80,000 -$ 100,000. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wouldn't come for anything cheaper than $80,000 each. Want Julianne Moore to walk in? Got to part with $60,000. The likes of Jennifer Lopez and Hillary Duff charge anywhere near $40,000. Blake Lively, Kim Kardashian, Amanda Bynes… A-list
Rihanna Maggie Gyllanhal |
Preity well played!
There is no point asking whether you ever get enough of cricket. The answer will be the obvious - never! So, after the glorious victory at the World Cup 2011 (we are still basking under the victory by the way), it's time to enjoy entertainment ka 'tadka' on the pitch with IPL. With some interesting rumours doing the rounds on cheerleaders covering themselves in traditional dresses, we had a moment to talk to the dimpled beauty Preity Zinta of Kings XI. "This is a fresh start for everybody in the team and we are all geared up for it," she says. Geared up! Do you mean with the wardrobe! We actually saw you sport tricolour dresses during the World Cup matches (not to forget the tricolour salwar-kameez she wore for the India Pakistan match). "Jaisa desh waisa vesh," adds Preity. "The patriotic feeling comes with cricket. I wear the feeling on my sleeve." Preity Zinta will also be wearing red and silver suits and other dresses for her Kings XI team. "Of course, Kings XI is for the people of Punjab and I want them to relate to the team and enjoy every bit of the game. I want women from across Punjab to cheer for this game. A traditional dress helps to integrate with the theme of the game," says the dimpled beauty. So, would the cheerleaders don the same attire? This sounds fun, but Preity is quick to share. "I feel that with time the focus has shifted from mere entertainment in IPL to the game itself. This is a brand new team and I would want people of Punjab to support it. " Back to what unites the nation, rather world, other than cricket — the social networking sites. How does Preity make the most of it? "Why would Kings XI be lacking insofar as social networking sites are concerned. I have received tweets from people who have welcomed and supported the team. It is the same case scenario on Facebook as well. We have an all-new website for Kings XI, which is more user-friendly as well. We also have a set up of games to engage the audiences," shares Preity who is hopeful about the good performance of the new team. jasmine@tribunemail.com Preity Zinta at the Chandigarh airport on Wednesday |
Triple dhamaka
There's a Chixie Gill, a Happy Gill and a Fancy Gill, who make a 'down on luck' and 'out of money' trio that loves to hate each other! The three brothers are distanced by life and only brought together by 'will'. What follows is chaos, comedy and even the cast and crew of Teen Thay Bhai. At a premier-cum-promotion at PVR Cinemas, Om Puri, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra get candid on economics of entertainment Crystal clear
He is literally the big brother of the trio. Om Puri is as comfortable as ever, wishes a happy Baisakhi in chaste Punjabi and gets talking. However, the shooting for the movie wasn't as easy. The story unravels at an isolated snowed out cabin. "It was a difficult shoot. During the night it'd get minus 30, but the snow looks beautiful in the movie." Having done a couple of films in the same flavour, playing a Punjabi came naturally. "Punjabi cinema is doing well. I'd love to work with Manmohan Singh or Gurdaas Mann." His West is West scheduled this May. As of now, it's playing and promoting Chixie to the core. "It's very important for a film like this to succeed because we all know the industry is ruled by maximum six to seven names." As important as the small budget films is the small budget theatres. "A common man should be able to afford a movie." "The pricing of tickets should be Rs 50 and Rs 75," with the producer, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, we are more than willing to take forward the conversation. He is the guy who gave us the cult film Rang De Basanti' apart from Delhi 6 and the like. "It's not that there shouldn't be big budget films, it's just that they shouldn't kill small budget films." He adds, "Apart from multiplexes, I think we also need to make more of people's theatre. Theatres that may not have Italian marbles and fancy lighting but decent infrastructure and facilities, so that a common man can come and watch the movie." With Teen Thay Bhai, he's taking baby steps towards multi-production because "he's there to tell stories, they could be any budget." "Initially we released only 350 prints but there is a demand for 500 prints." Post this, he'll tell the story of Flying Sikh Milkha Singh, for which, "he's been auditioning for boys, especially from Punjab." Happy time
The Happy Gill, Deepak Dobriyal, the middle brother, the comparative fresher among the trio, is more than happy to be playing the character. "I've done theatre in Delhi before moving to Mumbai and I remember as students we'd talk about movies like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron and emulate the characters. It’s been great” For the television buffs Ragini Khanna needs no introduction. For others, the girl of Sasural Gainda Phool, the niece of actor Govinda, is happy to be working with some of the greatest actors. "Initially, I was nervous to be sharing screen space with big names but the good part of working with established actors is they make you feel comfortable." She plays the love interest of one of the brothers. "Post this movie I have been receiving brilliant offers," she does a touchwood. |
Priyanka Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor are buddies but the actor is upset with her. On the sets of Barfee, She has been poking fun at Ranbir and his link-ups. Ranbir and Ileana D'cruz are the romantic pair in Barfee and she is already teasing them. Ranbir is upset because of this and he does not want Ileana to get uncomfortable with him. He has asked PC to stop spreading rumours. So cheap! Usually producers have a huge budget for item songs and the clothes. Songs are usually shot over a couple of days. However, the producer of Chalo Dilli had a shoe-string budget for the remix of Laila O Laila, picturised on Yaana. She looks hot in the song and the dress cost only Rs1,500 and the song was shot in 15 hours straight! Ready for re-shoot Salman Khan wants a song of Anees Bazmee's Ready to be re-shot. He wants it to be at par with the songs of Wanted and Dabangg. He has recommended Farah Khan in place of Raju Khan for the re-shoot, which will take place at Film City over a period of three days. The song is likely to up the budget by Rs 1 crore. Ali’s impressive Ali Zafar seems to be the new cute boy in Bollywood. As we heard that Ali Zafar who is currently working in Yash Raj's Mere Brother Ki Dulhan has impressed one of the powerful men of Bollywood and that's Aditya Chopra. And, we also heard that Adi is so impressed that he has decided to cast him in Dhoom 3. —HRM Vivek the villain Vivek Oberoi has a huge film is his kitty. He has been signed on to play the negative lead in the sequel to Rakesh Roshan's Krrishh. The film stars Hrithik Roshan and Priyanka Chopra and the negative role was declined by Ajay Devgn. Seems like Vivek's wife is lucky for him! Witherspoon laments loss of privacy
Actress Reese Witherspoon says she rues the loss of her privacy. "Sometimes I will sit in the car and cry. Because I can't get out. That's the only thing: I mourn the loss of my privacy," she said. However, the actress is adamant that she would never trade the "interesting life" her Hollywood career has provided her for anything. "With whatever I've lost, I've gained tenfold in life experience," she said. Business before pleasure Anushka Sharma is very particular about not letting stardom get to her head. She values friendship and has only five friends in the city, including Ranveer Singh and Maneesh Sharma. She is not here to make friends and she wants to work hard and establish herself in their industry on her own terms. Bike for Kristen Hollywood actress Kristen Stewart was gifted a motorbike on her 21st birthday by the cast and crew of the Twilight series. The Hollywood beauty, who reached the milestone year last Saturday, received the bike in Vancouver, where she is currently shooting for the final two movies of the vampire series. Stewart, who attained fame playing the role of Bella in the franchise opposite her real-life boyfriend Robert Pattinson, took turns to enjoy bike rides. "Rob was so excited for Kristen and they each took turns riding it. Radley to star in Crow remake? Hangover star Bradley Cooper is in talks to portray the lead role of a rock musician in the remake of 1993 film Crow. The role was originally played by Bruce Lee's son Brandon Lee, who was killed by a freak accident during the filming in 1993. Brandon was only 28 at the time of his death. At the time of his death only eight days were left to complete the movie. Stunt doubles were used to complete the movie. The film became an instant box office hit and continues to have a cult following.Cooper is keen to take up the role of the musician who is murdered while trying to save his fiancee from thugs. He is resurrected by supernatural forces and seeks revenge, the Hollywood Reporter said. 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo is helming the project and is said to have met with Cooper in Spain recently. Cooper will next be seen in The Hangover Part II. —PTI |
Going ‘Gaga’
Every person has a sense of style. Yet, there are only a few who'd attract a second glance or make heads turn. The magic could lie in tousled hair or it could lie in torn jeans! This week's face in the crowd Alpa Sharma, student, University Institute of Fashion Technology, believes in following trends yet keeping it individualistic. Your sense of style is… I believe fashion is the best way to express yourself and reflect your personality. Though I follow the latest trends, but I try to strike a balance with my own individualistic style. In short, it's mix and match of various elements and philosophies — chic, comfy, playful, elegant, glam, artsy, clean, fresh, naughty etc. Latest addition to your wardrobe… It's puffed up sleeves. That too, Lady Gaga way! Brand freak or street smart? Actually, both! Never been too rigid about brands. I'm game for anything stylish that comes my way, without bothering about where it comes from. Choose a look: Sporty, Glamorous or Chic Chic. My style icon would be… It has to be Rihanna. I love the way she dresses and the way she styles her hair. And it's amazing to see her carry off anything and everything so gracefully. So who's the worst dressed celebrity around? Amrita Rao. She seriously needs a stylist. One fashion trend you just don't understand… Leggings. People need to understand that they are not pants, especially when they are sheer. Your take on accessories I believe accessories can do wonders to make a look complete. I never overdo my accessories yet add them appropriately depending on what I am wearing and where I am going. You are exactly what you do. One thing that boosts your confidence It all comes down to those little assuring things; knowledge of the fact that I'm fit and that everything I wear falls in the right place. It gives me immense confidence. Belief in what you wear works wonders too. (As told to Manpriya Khurana) |
Baisakhi mela to delight
The Punjab Arts Council is organising the Baisakhi Mela at the Punjab Kala Bhavan on April 14. "The Council is organising the mela for the first time in an open ambience," says chairperson Bibi Harjinder Kaur. The special attraction will be colours of the historical city of Amritsar. In addition, Lok Nayak Bhaji Gursharan Singh will be honoured for his lifetime contribution to theatre. The Virsa Vihar Kendra, Amritsar, will set-up stalls for delicious Amritsari delicacies while local theatre groups will stage plays at different venues in the city. The carnival begins from the Sector 43 residence of theatre legend Gursharan Singh, who will brought in a procession to Punjab Kala Bhavan. Lok Gayika Gurmeet Bawa as well as giddha-bhangra troupes will entertain the audience. Gursharan Singh will be awarded Rs 1lakh, a trophy, citation and a shawl. Cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi will be present on the felicitation ceremony of Gursharan Singh, who was his neighbour in Amritsar. |
WEIGHT WATCH Sachin Kalra There are a number of common myths and misconceptions about weight loss, nutrition, and physical activity. Here are a few facts that should know for greater fitness and health. Myth: Zero-fat diet helps you lose weight. Fact: People think they need a low-fat diet to lose weight, but you should still have a third of your calories coming from fat. As a guideline, women need 70g (95g for men) of fat a day with 30g (40g for men) as the minimum. Just cut down on saturated fats and have unsaturated fats from things like olive oil and avocados. Myth: High-protein/low-carbohydrate diets are a healthy way to lose weight. Fact: The long-term health effects of a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet are unknown. But getting most of your daily calories from high-protein foods like meat, eggs, and cheese does not make for a balanced diet. You may end up eating too much fat and cholesterol, which may raise your risk of heart disease. Eating less fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lead to constipation due to lack of dietary fibre. Following a high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet may also make you feel nauseous, tired, and weak. Myth: Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight. Fact: People who skip breakfast and eat fewer times during the day tend to be heavier than people who eat a healthy breakfast and eat four or five times a day. This may be because people who skip meals tend to feel hungrier later on, and eat more than they normally would. You should eat small meals throughout the day that include a variety of healthy, low-fat, low-calorie foods. Myth: Fad diets work for permanent weight loss. Fact: Fad diets are not the best way to lose weight and sustain it. Fad diets often promise quick weight loss and tell you to cut certain food out of your diet. You may lose weight at first, but diets that strictly limit calories or food choices are hard to follow. Most people quickly get tired of them and revert to their old eating habit and thereby regaining any lost weight. Fad diets maybe unhealthy because they may not provide all of the nutrients your body needs. Also, losing weight at a rapid rate is not healthy. (Kalra is a fitness expert) |
Chatter box
Hi! Padosi Kaun Hai Doshi on Sahara One will take a scary twist this week with a baba predicting Sejal's (Sanjeeda Sheikh) death. This has the entire family in a flurry with everyone trying to save her life. A source reveals, “A fake baba predicts Sejal's death to make some quick money from her family. The family falls into his trap by Sejal is determined to expose the truth.” Sanjeeda adds, “Yes the baba track will be happening this week.” Speaking about the show she says, “The best part about Hi! Padosi Kaun Hai Doshi is that there is a new story every week and I love my role as Sejal.” While everyone is going crazy over IPL, Siddhant Karnick is one person who wants to stay away from it. “I had an overdose of cricket during the World Cup and am bored of it now,” says the actor. This does not stop Siddhant from dreaming about owning a team. He says, “I will name my
team-Dharamsala and all the players will be monks. No one will dare to beat monks so our team will automatically win.” He laughs. Vineet Raina turns host
Vineet Raina had to stay away from the television industry as he was busy settling his business venture, which will be soon out in the market. The guy is back trying his hands on something new. Vineet Raina, last seen in Zee TV's Maayka and who was also seen in shows like Har Ghar Kuch Kehta Hai and Mitwa, will now host a Bollywood based game show on Zee Cinema titled Cinema Khel Khel Mein. Pooja Joshi’s innovative fitness regime
Television actress Pooja Joshi, aka Varsha Bhabhi of STAR Plus Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata have taken up an innovative style of staying fit, the actress who is busy shooting for the show is not getting time to hit the gym and so she has decided to walk on the sets of the show, whenever she is free. Initially, everyone was quite amused to see her doing walking around but when she told them about her regime, they all supported her and were impressed by her new idea of staying fit. Nishant and Sara-Bade Dilwale
Zee’s Ram Milaye Jodi actors are getting in the good books of locals at
Naigoan. The set of the Zee show is put up in Naigoan and the unit is supporting the local cricket. They even distributed medicines to spot boys. All these good deeds and causes are spreading positivity and happiness in their unit. Even Nishant and Sara help poor kids with medicines, books etc. Guess we can rightly call them bade
dilwale. Fun feasts on Gulal set
On the sets of Gulaal, lunchtime is like a banquet and since all actors bring their
tiffins. There is a cool spread of many different varieties Sindhi, Gujarati, Italian and Maharashtrian dishes on the table. Actors don’t eat studio food because it isn't that tasty, very oil and loaded with
masalas. Every evening it is Maggi time as they make 4-5 platefuls of Maggi and dig in. It is super fun especially kids Ali and Sparsh love to stay at Gulaal's green room as it has various type of food like
farshan, khakras etc. Acting was never on Vahbbiz’s agenda
Vahbbiz Dorabjee aka Panchi from Pyaar Ki Ek Kahaani didn't want to become an actress, as she wanted to become a supermodel. Her ambition was the reason she took part in Miss Pune contest and won too. She even did a few commercials but she never imagined that one day she would land in a Balaji serial. Now that acting has became her profession she is giving it her best shot and enjoying working on the show. Raahil refuses Jhansi Ki Rani
Television actor Raahil Azam who was last seen in Gulaal was offered an interesting role in Zee TV's Jhansi Ki
Rani, but the choosy actor refused the role. His reasoning was that the show will end in May and therefore it didn't make sense to be part of the project. Moreover, the role wasn’t good enough for him. It was just a cameo and it didn't seem like an appealing prospect. |
The year ahead
Ruled by Mercury, Wednesday and Fridays will always favour your day-to-day routine. The year's number 4 and your number 5 have good affinity hence 2011-12 brings the accomplishment like construction of a house, purchase of a new dwelling, investment in real estate, renovation of old house, shifting to a new place and opening of some new source of income. Good news is expected from the progeny. Often you may feel irritable and envious for near and dear ones but remember whom you hate will prove very supportive in the rainy season. Have cordial relations with elders and especially old parents. To overcome distress, wear white dresses. Fluctuations in income-graph may appear between January and March. Make adequate provisions for rough weather. Be careful of some senior member's health. Religious activities will be of more interest. Old associates will delight between July and September. Overall 2011 will be a satisfying year for you. Sarah Michelle Gellar (April 14, 1977 in New York City) is a well-known American actress. She is perhaps best known for her role in the acclaimed television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, for which she was nominated for the Golden Globe Award. Gellar has acted in many movies such as: The Grudge, Scooby-Doo and The Return. She has also acted in several TV serials like, Robot Chicken, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and King of the Hill. She was nominated for Golden Globe Award, besides she has taken 14 other awards in different categories and been nominated 25 times. |
It’s money over content: Harsh He has been in the television industry for almost two decades and has shows like Tara and Swabhimaan to his credit, but actor Harsh Chhaya believes that over the years the industry has become more money-oriented and lacks strong content. “Far more quality work used to happen earlier. The stories on small screen have now become very much filmy, with a girl and a boy. The rest of the people are like cardboard characters,” Harsh said. “Even the characters have become stale now. You will see two actors almost of the same age playing father and son on the small screen. Why can't characters be cast according to age?” he asked. “The kind of serials that are being shown on television today lack gravity because the makers don't get enough time to think about the script, the implementation and how it should be portrayed by the characters. It is more of a moneymaking industry now," he said. "They want directors who can churn out as many episodes as they can at one go, no matter how," he added. Last seen in Sony TV's Ladies Special in 2009, Harsh is back on the small screen again with the same channel's new show Surya: The Supercop. — IANS |
Astro Turf
ARIES: You need to honour yourself. Others can change plans for the day. An opportunity to work unsupervised will enhance your performance. The spotlight is on the sale or purchase of property. Stay clear of sycophants.
Tarot message: Wait and watch. Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky
colour: Blue TAURUS: A tiring day at work. Be willing to change. Think of the positives not the negatives. Women: You may be feeling insecure emotionally. Romantic luck will boost your spirits. Evening is extremely pleasant. No over-eating. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 44 GEMINI: Inspiration is kicking around in your brain. Calm your thoughts. An issue niggling at the back of your mind should be addressed. Love life sparkles. Health is fine. If you have been thinking of buying a pet go ahead. Expect excellent news concerning finance. Tarot message: Concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 32 CANCER: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance signify well for singles. Internet dating might be the way. People may not be what they say. Does that apply to you too? Don't find fault with dear ones. Don't follow others; let them follow you. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 46 LEO: No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise on things important to you. Teamwork is the keynote. Older people may drum up certain problems. Check your car before you set out on a long journey. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Coffee brown Magic number: 50 VIRGO: A business proposition might appeal. Recognise it from an unbiased perspective. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. In the evening there is an exchange of ideas with someone who means a lot. Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 63 LIBRA: Gossip at the workplace can cause unexpected problems. If you work where there are language barriers, be careful of misunderstandings. Take what is useful and discard the rest. Lovers will have slight trouble. Guard against extreme agitation. Health can be problematic. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 59 SCORPIO: Think wisely before you start spending as you could make better use of cash in the future. Have a positive approach and plan for a hectic day. Politicians draw flak. Do not avoid responsibility. Keep off travel plans. Romantic life takes an upswing. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage over you. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 48SAGITTARIUS: You will enjoy love making now as opposed to staring romantically into your partners eyes. Now is the time to try your luck in speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility. Domestic compulsions will make your life uneasy. Tarot message: Cultivate understanding and humility. CAPRICORN: Social events will be a positive stimulus. A trip is on the cards. Expectant mothers will have safe delivery. Lovers will have an exciting day. Hobbies and extracurricular activities will gain extra momentum. Look for AQUARIUS: This is the perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Planning for investment? Push extra cash into safe schemes. Students: Check your account. Girls should plan joining a hobby class. Circumstances take a turn in your favour. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on any nagging health problems. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34 PISCES: You could be a sucker for glamorous advertising. Think twice before spending cash on a whim. You may meet an interesting person. Teenagers: Love stars twinkle. Do not disturb jointly held funds without consulting your partner. Efforts bear fruit. An Aquarian friend supports. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Maroon. Magic number: 33 |
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